Applying Femininst Literary Theory to Hamlet

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Toronto Metropolitan University *

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Arts Humanities

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Oct 30, 2023

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Applying Feminist Literary Theory to Hamlet From a feminist point of view, William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, portrays women to be weak minded, sexualized, and virtuous. Shakespeare’s portrayal of the Elizabethan era is that of a patriarchal society. This clearly influences Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, where the main characters are all men whilst the women are side characters that support them. Moreover, the concept of marriage is a priority for women in this era; a sex role stereotype that Gertrude follows in this play. Gertrude is villainized for her swift marriage to Claudius, regardless of the consequences of being a single woman in this era which as a matter of fact are not applicable to men. Marriage offers her security, both economically and socially. There are other themes present in this play such as traditional gender roles . The ghost of King Hamlet communicates his desire to get revenge on his brother Claudius, and instructs Prince Hamlet to not harm his mother in his plans for vengeance. The Ghost thinks of Gertrude to be pure and innocent, and still feels obligated to protect his wife in death. Moreover, the ghost views Gertrude as a damsel in distress , someone who needs saving from his brother King Claudius despite the fact that they are married and Gertrude seems content in her new marriage. Hamlet’s ghost highlights the comparison between his brother and wife. Gertrude is an honourbale lady and Claudius is full of desire for her, he states, “So to seduce! Won to his shameful lust / The will of my most seeming-virtuous queen.” (I.v.ll.45-46). King Claudius is not the only one to objectify Gertrude, King Hamlet also sexualizes his wife, “Though lewdness court it in a shape of heaven, / So lust, though to a radiant angel linked, / Will sate itself in a celestial bed / And prey on garbage” (I.v.ll.54-56). This reveals the misogyny in the play, the Ghost is looking down on and thinks less of Gertrude for allowing herself to bed his brother. In the Ghost’s eyes, Gertrude is weak minded and unable to resist the temptations of King Claudius. In conclusion Hamlet, through a feminist lens, explicitly showcases William Shakespeare’s sexist view on women and their lifestyles. He portrays women as mere objects that can be sexualized, demeaned and belittled through the means of the Elizabethan patriarchy .

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